The Bahrain International Music Festival is back to enthrall audiences from October 1 to 20.

Launched in 1992, the Bahrain International Music Festival is set to host its 32nd edition, in conjunction with the Gulf Music and Folk Arts Festival. Kickstarting the journey on October 1 is the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem. Guests will enjoy a classical evening – A Night in Vienna – at 8pm at the Bahrain National Theatre.

Enjoy a tribute to Ennio Morricone, one of the most important composers of the 20th century, on October 4 at 8pm at the Cultural Hall. The quintet who worked with the Italian artist for more than 20 years will showcase some of his most famous compositions created for films such as Once Upon a Time in the West, A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, as well as music from the films The Mission and Cinema Paradiso.

On October 6, the Saudi National Orchestra and choir will showcase a selection of national songs and folk music, from the poetic Al Samri performed to traditional drum beats to Al Yanbu’awi presented alongside a stringsy lyre-type instrument. This will happen at the Bahrain National Theatre at 8pm.

Bait Al Nai, a musical ensemble from Jordan, will showcase the legacy of what is considered one of the oldest musical instruments in Arab culture – the nai – a flute-like instrument – on October 7 at 8pm at the Cultural Hall. On October 10, a musical ensemble from Al Isawiyya Folklore Society, from Morocco, led by Hajj Saeed Al Kisi, will present soulful Sufi tunes at 8pm at the Cultural Hall.

The Bu Awadh folk music band from Kuwait will perform traditional songs on October 13 at 8pm at the Cultural Hall.

German jazz band Jin Jim will serenade audiences with their innovative fusion of Latin, jazz and rock styles on October 17 at 8pm at the Cultural Hall.

On October 19, famed Indian flute player, Sunil Avachat, will take the audience on a journey into the realms of Indian traditional and folk music along with other artists from the subcontinent. This will happen at 8pm at the Cultural Hall.

The festival will end on October 20 with Fan Al Sawat Night, showcasing a diverse selection of the most important works of the pioneers and founders of the Bahraini Sawt music schools, including Mohamed bin Faris, Dhahi bin Wlaid and Mohamed Zowayed. This will happen at 8pm at the Bahrain National Theatre. Some events are ticketed and some are open to the public with an age bar of eight years or more – please check before you go. ✤

GO: VISIT CULTURE.GOV.BH OR FOLLOW @CULTUREBAH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.